🌟Japanese Cross‑Stitch Book Picks: Monthly Inspirations from Japan: July

Every month, I take a closer look at Amazon Japan’s “Embroidery & Sashiko” bestseller rankings and pull out only the cross‑stitch titles hidden within that category. Since Amazon Japan does not offer a dedicated cross‑stitch section, most of the top 100 books are general embroidery, sashiko, kogin, or other traditional Japanese needlework styles.

For this month’s update, I’ve excluded three titles that were already featured in previous rankings (21st, 25th, and 49th). Even so, cross‑stitch showed a strong presence—two of the three new titles are by Noriko Sō, a designer whose books frequently appear within the top 100.

Beyond cross‑stitch, the broader embroidery category continues to highlight Japan’s diverse needlework traditions. Sashiko and kogin remain consistently popular, while more unusual styles such as Kantha embroidery and Darning embroidery also made appearances this month.

Here are the new cross‑stitch titles that stood out in the latest snapshot.

1 | 20th – Hello Kitty & Patty & Jimmy Cross‑Stitch Book

A cheerful and nostalgic collection featuring Sanrio’s beloved characters. Designed by Noriko Sō, this book offers cute, easy‑to‑follow charts perfect for small projects, gifts, and playful motifs. Fans of character‑themed stitching will enjoy the bright colors and friendly style.

Hello Kitty & Patty & Jimmy Cross‑Stitch Book

This book features cross-stitch patterns starring the highly popular Sanrio characters Hello Kitty and Patty & Jimmy. It includes a total of 160 patterns. The back of the book also covers the basics of cross-stitching. Enjoy stitching these designs onto T-shirts, bags, and more.

https://amzn.to/4wmyY8r

2 | 54th – Frog and Toad Cross‑Stitch Book

A charming tribute to the classic picture books, transforming the gentle world of Frog and Toad into warm, storybook‑style cross‑stitch designs. The patterns capture the soft illustrations and cozy atmosphere of the original tales, making this a delightful choice for stitchers who love literary themes.

Frog and Toad Cross‑Stitch Book

A cross-stitch pattern book featuring "Frog and Toad"—beloved characters from picture books such as *Frog and Toad Are Friends* (published by Bunka Publishing Bureau; written by Arnold Lobel, translated by Taku Miki).

https://amzn.to/4gSmiSg

3 | 58th – Paris Alphabet Cross‑Stitch: 380 Motifs and Decorative Ideas

A beautifully curated alphabet‑themed collection inspired by Parisian elegance. With 380 motifs, this book offers a wide variety of letters, monograms, and small decorative elements that can be used for personalized gifts, accessories, or home décor. Perfect for stitchers who enjoy refined, versatile charts.

Paris Alphabet Cross‑Stitch: 380 Motifs and Decorative Ideas

Because the motifs are traditional, the creative possibilities are endless. The 26 letters of the alphabet play a beautiful melody. You will never tire of the wide variety of designs—ranging from nostalgic illustrations to styles that showcase initials as the focal point.

https://amzn.to/4fjjs6L

I hope this month’s selection gives you a gentle glimpse into what’s happening inside Japan’s needlework rankings. Cross‑stitch titles remain a small but steady presence within the broader Embroidery & Sashiko category, and it’s always interesting to see how designers like Noriko Sō continue to appear across multiple positions.

Alongside cross‑stitch, Japan’s embroidery scene keeps expanding in beautiful ways—from sashiko and kogin to more unusual styles like kantha and turning embroidery. Even within a category that changes every hour, there is always something new to discover.

Thank you for joining me again this month. I’ll continue sharing these small snapshots as the rankings shift, and I look forward to seeing what appears next time.

 😊Happy creation !